Elouise Suoja (Mahtomedi High School Class of 2021) was first introduced to baking in a food class at Mahtomedi Middle School (MMS) nearly a decade ago. This class, where she still remembers making mini donuts for her finals, inspired a lifelong passion.
That initial spark grew into driveway bake sales with friends, a job at a local bakery, and, at just 15, becoming a head baker. Today, Elouise holds a degree in Baking and Pastries from Colorado Mesa University and is the owner of 350 Degrees Bakery in downtown Mahtomedi.
Elouise recently returned to the place where she first found her passion—this time as an instructor—to teach cake decorating to middle school students through Mahtomedi Community Education.
Elouise is passionate about showing younger students that pursuing baking is something that’s even possible for them: “It’s fun to talk to younger me,” she shared. Additionally, she believes that middle school is a turning point when many students are starting to explore their interests and learn that they can bake on their own.
For students who are trying to find their passion, Elouise shared this advice: “Do everything. That’s what I did when I was younger, and that just really helps you figure out who you are and what you like.”
We’re grateful to have alumni like Elouise share their talents with our students and help them explore their passions! Click here to see photos from her cake decorating class!